The University of Texas at Dallas
close menu

2019 CNN Heroes Finalist Visits EPPS Class

Richard Miles, founder of Miles for Freedom, was a guest lecturer for a UT Dallas class on the same day that CNN honored him as one of 10 national finalists for the CNN Heroes Award.

Miles spoke to students in Dr. Denise Boots’ Capital Punishment and Public Policy course about his work on social justice issues after his wrongful conviction at age 19 for a Dallas murder and attempted murder. After serving 15 years in a Texas prison, he was finally freed, becoming the first non-DNA case to be overturned on the basis of actual innocence.

Raised in the Dallas area, he now heads the Miles of Freedom non-profit which champions for others who were wrongfully convicted and helps the formerly incarcerated to succeed on reentry.

The CNN Hero of the Year will be announced live on Dec. 8, 2019 starting at 7 p.m. during CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute. View Richard’s story and vote at: cnn.com/2019/10/30/world/cnn-heroes-top-ten-2019

Denise Boots and Ricahrd Miles